Alternative Linux file managers
Managing the Jungle
Working with files and folders is a typical daily task on any computer. We tested four lesser known file managers that significantly simplify handling content on mass storage media.
Every Linux desktop environment has its own file manager. Outside the mainstream, beyond the kings of the hill (e.g., Dolphin, Nautilus, Thunar, PCManFM, and Nemo), many smaller and usually less popular file management tools access the content of mass storage devices. By targeting special audiences, these tools often have special functions that are missing in the major league tools on Linux.
XFE: For Oldies
The first contender is X File Explorer, or XFE for short, which was specifically designed for aging computers whose performance is no longer sufficient for state-of-the-art desktops. This oldie has been around since 2002, and unlike many other lean file managers, XFE comes with an appealing graphical interface. Most popular distributions provide the software in their repositories, from which you can easily set up the tool via Synaptic, YaST, or Apper.
If you use a distribution whose repositories still don't have the latest version 1.41, you can pick up the source code (as well as pre-built packages for some distros) from the project website [1]. XFE is based on the FOX Toolkit; it runs very quickly with frugal resource requirements, has no other dependencies, and thus remains compatible with all common interfaces.
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